Flat-top paper milk carton



March 1, 1960 Filed Dec. 28, 1954 KAlJl NEGORO 2,926,832

FLAT-TOP PAPER MILK CARTON 4 Sheets-Sheet l Kaiji Ne gbro ATTORNEYS March 1, 1960 KAIJIUNEGORO 2,926,832

FLAT- IOP PAPER MILK CARTON 4 Sheets-Sheet. 2

e m m R rloN FIG. 5

I N VEN TOR Kaiji Negoro March I, 1960 KAIJI 'NEGORO 2,926,832

FLAT-TOP PAPER MILK CARTON Filed Dec. 28, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheef 5 Tie-.8

2 OUTSIDE FACE I INSIDE i 12 "FACE I I I 1} I 12 I I I 15a I i I INVENTOR Kaij'LNegoro ATTORNEYS March 1, 1960 KAIJI NEGORO 2,926,332

FLAT-T01 PAPER MILK CARTON Filed Dec. 28, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Kaiji Negoro ATTORNEYS United States Patent FLAT-TOP PAPER MILK CARTON Kaiji Negoro, La Grange, Ill., assignor to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York The invention relates generally to paper receptacles and primarily seeks to provide a novel form of milk carton which can be manufactured economically and with facility from paper stock to include a flat top and flat sides permitting compact, wall to wall packing of the cartons, and also stacking thereof. An object of the invention is to providea carton structure of the character stated wherein the flat top closure is secured to outwardly directed body flanges, wall portions of the body being angled inwardly and upwardly toward a juncture with the body flanges so as to provide finger grip recessing beneath the flanges, and said wall portions beneath the flanges being joined at each corner of the carton by a reinforcing rib structure including a vertically disposed portion immediately beneath the respective top corner and integrally connecting the body flanges in part defining said corner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton structure of the character stated wherein the vertically disposed reinforcing rib portions are composed of integral portions of the body flanges folded downwardly and outwardly from said flanges.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton structure of the character stated wherein the reinforcing rib structures at the corners of the carton top closure each include an angularly offset portion composed of integral folded portions of a finger recess providing vertical wall ring disposed immediately beneath the body flanges and joining the inwardly and upwardly angled wall portions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton of the character stated having a body that may be formed and folded, from a rectangular blank without slitting, notching, or otherwise cutting the blank.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton of the character stated having a body including an outwardly turned, flat top closure supporting flange of single thickness and disposed in a single plane except at the position of a lapped seam at one of the four sides thereof and a downwardly and outwardly directed vertical and integral pleat at each corner thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton of the character stated wherein the flat top is equipped with novel tamper-proof filling and pouring port closures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton of the character stated wherein the pouring or dispensing port has provision for accurately controlling the outpouring of milk, permitting accurate pouring to the extent of a single drop.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton of the character stated wherein the flat top closure is in the form of a two ply assembly, the lower 'or inner ply having rupturable filling and dispensing ports therein and the upper or outer ply having port closing flaps thereon each larger in area than the port it covers, the dispensing port covering flap being in the form of a tear strip and extending over the underlying body flange, about "ice the edge of said flange, over the under surface of the flange and downwardly over a body wall portion.

Another object of the invention is to provide a carton of the character stated wherein are included novel means for securing a reclosure of the tear strip after the same has been torn to expose the dispensing port and returned to its port closing and flange enveloping position after the pouring of a portion only of the milk from the carton.

A further object of the invention is to provide a top closure assembly of the character stated wherein the upper and lower plies making up the assembly are arranged with the grain of the paper in the: respective plies lying in right angular relation to provide maximum strength in the assembly, and the grain of the upper ply extending lengthwise of the tear strip to facilitate tearing the strip along the lines of separation.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel folding pattern for a rectangular blank structure from which to form a four-sided carton body, a novel method of folding the rectangular blank to provide a tubular body having outwardly turned top closure supporting end flanges, finger recesses immediately beneath the flanges, and novel strengthening ribs at the corners and beneath the flanges.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a milk carton constructed in accordance with the invention, the condition of the filled carton prior to breaking the seal at the tear strip over the dispensing port being shown.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the top portion of the carton with the tear strip torn open to expose the dispensing port, and with the carton tilted into pouring position.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view showing the top portion of the carton and. illustrating the manner in which the tear strip is removably secured in place by the non-adhered flap extensions in effecting a reclosure of the carton after the tear strip has been torn to expose the dispensing port and a portion of the milk has been dispensed.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the top portion of the carton body and the top closure therefor, the upper and lower plies of the top closure being shown separated one from the other.

Figure 5 is an inverted plan view of the top ply 0f the top closure.

Figure 6 is an inverted plan view of the lower or inner ply of the top closure.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view looking up into the lower end portion of the carton body and down onto an acceptable bottom end closure to be adhered thereto.

Figure 8 is a face view of the blank from which the carton is to be formed, looking at the outside face thereof.

Figure 9 is a view of the blank similar to Figure 8, looking at the inside face thereof.

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross section taken through the top portion of the carton across the center of the filling and dispensing ports.

Figure 11 is a sectional view similar to Figure 10, taken at right angles to Figure 10 and along a line between the filling and dispensing ports.

Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative form of end closure which may be attached to the outwardly directed flanges of the carton body, the same comprising a simple imperforate square of paper.

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing an imperforate. closure of the kind illustratedjin Figure 12, but including flanges to engage and be adhered to the undersurfaces of the outwardly turned flanges of the 13 b Figure. 1.4is a perspective view showinganother alternative. closuresimilar to the one illustrated in Figure 12, but equipped with filler andzdispensing poi-ts, andian imperforate overcapalso being shown as having flangesto engageunder and. be adhered totheundersurfaces of the outwardly-turned flanges. of the cartonbody.

I Figure.15,.is.a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one corner of. the tubular body attire topfendjthereof.

In thepractical development ofthe invention, the improvedicalton or container structure is fabricated from sheet paper to compriseatubularibody square in horizon-. tal crossseotion and, generally designated '5, a flattop closureassembly generally designated 6, and a bottom closure generally designated! and which maybe of any approved form.

I The body. is forzhedfromtheblank generally designated 8,,andrillustratedin detail in Figures 8 and 9. It will be apparent by reference to thesejfiguresthat the blank is provided with four parallel verticalscore' lines 9 extending acrossthefullwidth of theblank and dividing the main body-into two-body walls. 14) .arranged to oppose each other in the bodytu-be, an intermediate body wall 11 and two semi-width body walls 12. One, of the semi-width walls 12 is Wider than the other to the extent of the thermoplastic, resin stripe 13. thereon for providing a seam margin. When thesemi-walls 12 are joined adhesivelyat the coated margin 13 they together form a body wall of: the sarne widthas the opposing intermediate wall 11, and a lapped side seam 14 is provided extending up the centerofthewall opposing the. intermediate wall 1:1,as-showniniFiguresA, 7 and 11.

The blank islprovided .withthree parallel scorelines 15, 16 and 17 arranged near onelong edge of the blank and extending thefulllength thereof. The top edge of the blank; andthe. parallel. score line. define a flange area lfiiextending the full .length ofthe blank andhaving a thermo-plastic resin coating applied thereon, except in an-intermediateregion 15a,.and at small triangular areas at the locations-of the scorelines 9 to which reference will be made hereinafter, which may be left uncoated. If desired the same end objective may be achieved by also applying athermo-pl'astic adhesive coating to the intermediate region -15a'of the-flange 18 when the remainder of the flange is coated, but not applying heat and pressure. thereto during the process of attaching the flanges 35 and:40.-of.the top tothe body flange. The latter method obviates the necessity for angular registration of the top with the body during the assembly operation. The parallel rscore .lines 15 and 16 define between them the wall areas 19 which are connected to provide a finger recess definingtwalljring, and in the completed body tube this wall ring will be disposed vertically and will lie between the=flangeareas 18 and the wider wall areas defined betweenthe-parallelscore lines 16 and 17. In the completed .body.tuhe,.these.wider wall areas 20 are angled upwardly and inwardly toward a juncture with the body flange areas 18 Theflange areas IS -are traversed by angularly disposed score lines 21 arranged in pairseach intersecting a vertical score line at the top edgeof the blank. These score lines 21 of each pair cooperatewith the score line 15 and the respective score lines 9 in defining pairs of triangular areas 2 2 joined' at the respective score line 9. These triangular, areas 22 are .left freeof adhesive at the outer face of the blank, .asshown in Figure 8, but have the thermoplastic adhesiveapplied thereon at the opposite face, ;as shown in Figure .9. Thewall areas 1? are similar ly traversed; by angularly disposed score lines 23, the upper ends: of .which join ,-the lower ends of the'lincs 21 their;inters ecti,on:withthe .score line; 15.

The lower ends of the lines 23 converge and meet at the intersection of the score line 16 with the score'lines"9.

Score lines 25 extend vertically between the score lines 15 and 16, each from a point of intersection of two of the lines 21 and 23 with the score line 15, two of said lines 25 being disposed above the body wall 11, and one each thereof being disposed above a semi-wall portion 12, as clearly illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Each vertical score line 25 forms with the adjacent score line 23 and the score line 16 a triangular area 26. Two angular score lines 27 extend across the wall area 20 of the body wall 11, and one such score line 27 extends across each of the wall area portions 20 of the semi-width body walls 12, each said angled score line 27 having its upper end connecting with the respective verticalscore line 25 at its intersection with the score line 16, and its lower end terminating at the intersection of the respective vertical score line 9 and the horizontal score line 17; The angled score lines 27 cooperate with the adjacent horizontalscore line 16 and verticalscore lines 9' in providing triangular areas 28.

the wall areas 261 of the half wall portions 12 and in the wall area 20 of the body wall 11, the-wall areas 200f the body walls 1% being rectangular in shape and devoid of suchtriangular areas. I

An adhesive stripe 29 is provided along the bottom. margin of the blank and may be utilized in adhesively at-' taching a suitable closure at the bottom of the body. It is to be understood that any form ofrbottom closure may be employed, but in this illustration the bottomclosure generally designated 7 is shownas including' as square body 30 and flanges 31 whichmay be1foldedupzwardly to embrace and be adhesively attachedto'the;

bottom margin of the tubular body. See1Figure8.

While other forms of top closures can be-ernployed in. cooperation with the novel body tube to beforme'd from;

the blank of Figures 8 and 9, a preferredrform of top. closure has been disclosed and generally designated6; This top closure comprises an upper or outer ply or thickness 32, and a lower or inner ply or thicknessa33. These plies are bonded together by an adhesive, and it is to be understood that in assembling the upper and lower plies, the paper is arranged with its. grain disposed in angular relation in the respective plies, thereby to provide maximum strength in-the top closure assembly.-

Double score lines 34 define the square top of the top ply, and three flange extensions 35 are provided. Each of the three flange extensions is provided with a thermoplastic adhesive coating 36 on the undersurfacethereof to engage beneath and be adhesively attached to the with the thermoplastic adhesive, or one only of such op- V posing and cooperating surfaces needbe coated with the adhesive in order to bring about a satisfactory attachment or bonding of said opposing surfaces when heat and pressure are applied thereagainst.

A fourth edge of the top closure is provided with an,

extension 37 divided by the double score lines 38 andby two parallel score lines 39 into a panel 40 which is:

foldable and engage able under the remaining body flange,

a wall portion 41 adapted to engage uprighlyagainst. the underlying body wall portion19 of the wall 11 be:-; tween the score lines 27 thereof, and a wa1l; por tion 42-. adapted to extend part-waydown over the wall portion; 20 and having a central tongue or. .flnger grip extension;

4-3 to overlie the remainder of said wall portion 20'.

Doublescore lines, 44; traverse;theuonnly, 0f.1h6-1 Q-=c It will be noted'by reference to .Fig.-; ures 8 and 9 that the triangular areas 28 are formedin It should be:

closure adjacent the center thereof and parallel the fourth edge having the extension 37, and two parallel tear lines of perforations 45 extend across the top and the panels 40 and 41, or in other words to the score line 39 nearest the end of the finger grip extension 43. These tear lines 45 align at the ends with angled slits 46 freeing the tongue or finger grip extension 43 beyond the score line 39 nearest the end extremity of said finger grip 43.

Whereas each flange 35 has a coating of thermoplastic adhesive 36 over the full area of its undersurface, the similar extension at the fourth edge of the blank has only a limited area adhesive coating at 47 spaced outwardly from and paralleling each tear line 45 in the manner clearly illustrated in Figure 5, thus leaving the tear strip portion between the adhesive areas 47, the panel 40 and all extensions therefrom free of adhesive. This leaves a free reclosure flap retainer 48 laterally of each side of the tear strip between the tear lines 45 and where it extends through the wall portion 41, said retainers being defined in part by the angled edges 49 opposing like angled edges 50 of the free tongue extension beginning at the outermost score line 39. See Figures 3, 4 and 5.

The tear strip portion of the panel 40 not coated with adhesive registers with the uncoated region a on the undersurface of the body flange 18.

Double score lines 51 traverse the top ply in spaced relation to and paralleling the score lines 44 and form a hinge connection for a filler port closure flap 52 which is further defined in part by a circular or arcuate slit 53 through the top ply of the top closure. An adhesive 54 is coated on the undersurface of the top ply, the same being spaced outwardly at 55 from the tear lines 45 and extending to the thermoplastic adhesive coating 36 and 47 on the undersurfaces of the ply flanges 35 and the limited area adhesive coatings 47 on the extensions at the fourth edge of the top closure ply. This adhesive application also includes a cross strip 56 extending across between the score line sets 44 and 51. A spot of adhesive may be applied at 57 on the undersurface of the filler port closure flap 52 for attachment of a filler port plug thereto, and a similar spot of adhesive 58 may be applied to the undersurface of the tear strip for attachment of a dispensing port closing plug thereto, both of said plugs to be described hereinafter.

The lower or inner ply 33 of the top closure assembly is in the form of a square paper body having a dispensing port defined at three sides by slits 59 interrupted by an unbroken tear portion 60, and at the fourth side by slits 61 angled to form a drop pour point 62, and also interrupted by unbroken tear portions 63. The slitting 59 and 61 defines a dispensing port closing plug 64 having a spot of thermoplastic adhesive 65 applied thereon and spaced inwardly from the defining slits for permanently attaching the overlying tear strip to the plug 64 so that when the tear strip is torn out the plug 64 will be removed from the inner ply to expose the dispensing port and permit pouring milk therethrough. As in the case of all other opposing and adhesively attached parts, the spot applications of adhesive 58 and 65 may be used conjointly, or either to the exclusion of the other.

The lower or inner ply of the top closure also is provided with a circular slit 66 defining a filler port and a port closure plug 67, the plug being provided with an adhesive spot 68 for cooperating with the previously described adhesive spot 57 in attaching the plug to the overlying filler flap 52. The plug 67 also is held in place by the tear point interruptions 69, and it is to be noted that the flap 52 has a greater diameter than the plug 67 so as to overlap the edges thereof and leave an annulus surrounding the port 66 beneath the filler cap. The lower or inner ply of the top closure may also have an adhesive coating 70 on the top face thereof to correspond with the adhesive on the overlying top ply surface and to cooperate therewith in adhesively uniting the upper and lower plies when heat and pressure are applied thereto in the assembling of the top closure unit. The adhesive coating 70 on the top face of the inner ply terminates at the edges 71 well outwardly of the dispensing port closure plug 64, and said coating also is terminated at the circle 72 spaced well outwardly from the filling port closure plug 67. The inner ply of the closure may also be provided with a thermoplastic resin coating on the margins of its lower face at 73 to facilitate adhesion of said ply and the attached upper ply to the outwardly extending, top closure supporting flanges of the carton body, clearances in these marginal coatings 73 being provided at 74 to avoid too close proximity of the coatings to the point of the dispensing port closure 64 and to the filler port and its closure plug 67.

In making up the carton from its three component parts, namely the tube body 5 formed from the blank 8 of Figures 8 and 9, the bottom closure 7 and the top closure assembly 6, the tube is formed by folding at the several score lines 9 and adhesively attaching the semiwalls 12 along the adhesive margin 13, this union being effected, as in the case of all of the adhesively bonded opposing surfaces, by the application of heat and pressure, followed by cooling and setting. It should also be understood that in addition to the adhesive margin 13 appearing in Figure 8, the opposing marginal surface 13a on the reverse face of the opposing semi-wall 12 may be provided with a thermoplastic adhesive strip. As before stated, this practice may be followed throughout the whole carton structure, the adhesive being applied to both opposing surfaces which are to be adhesively attached, or to one such surface only.

The bottom closure 7 is secured in place by folding the flanges 31 upwardly about the marginal body wall edges at the bottom of the carton, and adhesively securing them to the outer faces of said marginal edges. The bottom closure illustrated in Figure 7 is but one acceptable example, the bottom structure, in itself forming no part of the present invention. Obviously other forms of bottom closures may be employed.

In the forming or shaping of the upper end extremity of the tubular body, the wall areas 20 are folded inwardly about the score lines 17 into upwardly and inwardly sloping or angled position. The two walls 20 above the opposing walls 10 are rectangular, as will be apparent by reference to Figures 8 and 9,. and the other opposing walls 20, one above the wall 11 and the other conjointly formed by portions above the half walls 12 are trapezoidal, being reduced in area by the triangular areas 28 which during the infolding of said walls 20, fold in against the adjacent wall portions 20 and about the score lines 9 and 27 to form outwardly projecting reinforcing ribs 75. The narrow wall areas 19 are folded upwardly about the score lines 16 into upright or vertical position, and the adhesively coated flange areas 18 are folded outwa dly about the score lines 15 to provide top closure supporting flanges, the adhesive bearing surfaces 18a shown in Figure 8 being disposed downwardly. As before stated, the adhesive provided on the undersurface of the plies of the top closure may be relied upon to effect the desired adhesive attachment of the top closure on the outwardly directed supporting flanges 18 of the body, or the upwardly presented surfaces 18b of said flanges may also be equipped with a thermoplastic resin coating to facilitate said part attachment.

This infolding of the body areas 20, the upward or vertical folding of the areas 19 and the outward folding of the flange areas 18 provides finger grip clearances beneath the body flanges. The inclusion of the vertical wall areas 19 not only assures the provision of finger grip clearances which are more definitely defined and efficient than those provided in prior known structures, but said wall portions 19 also add rigidity and strength to the top closure arrangement. This folding also serves to cause the adjoining triangular areas 22 to fold downwardly about the score lines 21 and 9 and to engage in face tmlfacet-rcontacttwithxthe'ardhesive coating 18b of the top:

flange surfaces between .them. and; ultimately serving to bondthem in' a vertically disposed reinforcing rib 76. This provisioniofithe vertical ribs or reinforcing pleats 76 directly at each corner of. the tubular body top provides a flap top closure supporting flange of single thickness anddisposed ina single plane except at the positions of the vertical ribsor corner. pleats and at one intermediate portion of one side where the side seam of the tubular body is positioned.

In the folding process each triangular area 26 is folded outwardly about the'score lines25 and 16 into the vertical plane of the adjacent acute angle end extremity 77 of the upright area 19 joined therewith through the connected triangular areas 24, and to lie in face to face contact with said-end extremity 77 in the vertical plane. This folding also causes the connected triangular areas 24 to fold. about the score lines 9, I5 and 23 to fold intoface to faceacontact in the provision of an angularly offset reinforcing rib portion 78 vof the'composite strengthening rib 75, 76, 78. This offset rib arrangement provides added strength. at the corners of the top closure and'yet provides forsubstantially uniplanar contact about the whole perimeter of the top flange, except at the extreme corners, by supporting or pressure applying dc.- vices utilized in the shaping up of the body, or in the adhesive bonding of the end closure structures thereon.

in utilizing the aforementioned pressure applying or forming devices for shaping the body, end flanges and strengthening ribs, it maybe found unnecessary to score all or part of the body blankbecause the forming or shaping devices may force the sheet to. bend along the desired lines without scoring. Inasmuch as the scored lines are'merely to locate the'bend lines, these terms, from a-practical viewpoint, maybe considered equivalents with reference to the body blank.

While-the two-ply assembly top closure of Figures 1 to 6-is preferred, it is to be understood that other forms of top closures may be appliedto the body structure shown in Figure 4. An example of such modificationis shown in Figure 1 2 wherein a simple imperforate square end closure 79 is-illustrated, the same being adapted. for attachment by adhesion to the horizontal, outwardly directed' flanges of the carton body structure illustrated in Figure 4.

Another'modification of top closure is illustrated in Figure 13 wherein is'shown a closure similar to that of FigurelZ but including flange extensions 80. Thefianges 80 may be folded under and adhered to the downwardly directed surfaces of the outwardly turned supporting flanges illustrated in Figure 4.

In Figure 14 another modified form of top closure is illustrated. This closuretakes the form'of a simple top square 81 having a filling port 82 and a dispensing port 33 defined therein. An 'overcap 84'having a body portion 85 to cover the top square may be provided, and said overcap may include flanges- 86 equipped with an adhesive at 87 for attachment under the outwardly turned flanges-of the'carton body illustrated'in Figure 4; ltmay befound desirable to leave a bare space 88 in the marginal coating of the overcap in line with a finger piece extension 89 thus left free'to be grasped preparatory to tearing off the overcap-and exposing the ports-82 and 83.

The paper sheet from which'the body blanks are cut may be received in roll form, and it is preferred that it be printed on one face with the design, indicia and colors to-appear on the; outside of the-carton. A protective coating ofvarnish may be applied over the decorations and printing, and thereafter the cutting and scoring of the blanks can-be carried out. The upper surface-of the lower ply of the top closure may .also be given at protective co'atingofvarnish: if desired, but it is thedear'. strip xldefined between. the .lines of perforations;.

45' when component-.- parts. of; the top closurerraw assembled byapplication of .heat and pressure; orrduringi attachment of. the :top closure assembly to the supporting, flanges of the tubular body by-similar application. of heat and" pressure.

it will be apparent that the attachment of the defined filler and dispensing plugs 67 and 64 by the unbroken tear points '69, 6t) and 63 serves to provide tamper-proof; fillingand pouring port closures, said closures remaining sealed until the respectivefiller flap and tear strip por.-- tions are lifted to expose the filling and dispensing ports, the plugs 64 and 67 being forcibly torn out by suchlifting of the filling flap and the tear strip.

When thcfabrication of the carton has been completed in the. manner previously described, the fillingiandz dispensing ports are temporarily closed by the slitdcfined, but attached, rlling and dispensing port closing; plugs 67 and 64. It is desirable that the interior of thecarton be sprayed or fiushedwith hot wax. This isiac coniplished after swinging the filler flap 52 upwardly about the score lines 51. The upward swinging ofrthe flap 52 ruptiu'es the'imperforate portions 69 by reason or" the adhesive attachment of the plug 67 with the flap, and the pulling of the plug 67 out of the filling port 66: exposes said port and provides a filling opening through which may be projected a nozzle for waxing the interior of the container. After the. container has been waxed, it is disposed in an inverted position and the hinged. closure flap 52 and its attached plug 67 are heldopenfor a time sutficient to permit the excess hot wax to drainv from the interior of the container through the filling port 66.

A certain amount of. the draining hot wax will run. onto the outwardly or downwardly directed, generally circular area surrounding the port 66 on the inner ply: of the top closure. When the draining periodhas been completed, closing the flap 52 brings it into contactwith the residual wax on the marginal area surrounding the filler port 66, and as the wax cools to the solid state,.it' serves to seal the filling port and retain the closure. flap S2. in its closed position. It will be apparent that. the dispensing port closure plug 64 is firmly held in-ithei port by the imperforate portions .60, 63 during this waxing. of the interior of the carton, and hence virtually none of the wax will find its way into the space between the lower or inner top closure ply and the overlying tearstrip portion defined between the lines of perforations 45 to cause adhesion of the tear strip to said ply or. to body portions contacted by said strip.

The carton is now ready for filling with milk or other liquid product, which is usually done at a ditferent.loca-. tion. Prior to this filling, heat may be applied to the closure flap 52 to soften thewax and release the flap. Theflap 52 is then opened, and a nozzle is projected through the port 66 to effect the desired filling. After. the filling has been completed, the closure flap 52 .is again closed and reheated to soften the wax so that it may again act to seal the flap 52 in closed position.

In order to open a filled container, a customer grasps the finger grip extension 43 and pulls it upwardly thereby tearing the strip along the lines of perforations 45 so that as the tear strip is swung upwardly about the. double score line hinge 44, the adhered dispensingport closure plug 64will be forcibly extracted from the dis pensing port 59 to expose the latter and permit out-pouring of milk therethrough. If only a portion of the milk is removedfrom the carton at a given pouring, it may be desirable to reclose the dispensing port to protect the portions over which the milkis poured from exposureto. contamination. This may be accomplished .by returning the tear. .strip to the position it occupiedibeforeit was separatedor torn. out from. the. outsideply ofthetop. closure. assembly. In this replacement offlthe. tear strip. the. same is returned to .overlie the .portionof the dis. pensingpnrt defined. the tangularly .disggosed..slits..61l

. I I 9 a and the portion of the lower ply of the top closure overlying the adjacent outwardly directed supporting flange of the body. The tear strip will also be folded under the outwardly directed body flange in the manner illustrated in Figures 3 and 10, and the angled edge portions 50 thereof may be interlocked behind the complementary angled edges 49 on the free flap extensions 48 disposed at either side of the tear strip and overlying the adjacent upwardly and inwardly inclined wall portion 20 of the body wall 11 as shown in said figures, to effectively re-.

tain the tear strip reclosure in the closed position. It will be apparent that with the tear strip panel'portion 40 folded under the body flange, there will be a tendency for the tear strip to straighten out and thereby force the angular edge portions 49 thereof downwardly into frictional contact with the like angled edges 50 on the reclosure flap retainers 48 as in the original position shown in Figure 1, or into locking position slightly behind said edges 50 as shown in Figure 3. In either case, the tear strip will be retained in its dispensing port closing and flange covering reclosure position.

Should a simple imperforate top'closure of the forms shown in Figures 12 and 13 be employed, the carton is preferably filled before the top is applied and the carton is opened for dispensing the contents by tearing away all or a portion of said closure.

A closure of the nature of that shown in Figure 14 could be covered with the overcap 84 readily removable by manipulation of the free, extended finger piece 89. This overcap could be secured by a permanent adhesive, or a pressure sensitive adhesive permitting removal and reapplication of the closure cap could be employed. After removal of the overcap, by tearing away, or by complete removal thereof, the ports in the underlying closure would be exposed and the closures therefor could be removed in any approved manner.

While example forms of the invention have been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be clearly understood that various changes-in the details of construction and arrangement of parts herein disclosed may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a carton of the character described, a tubular body formed of a regular rectangular sheet of paper devoid of slits or cut outs to include four connectedside walls each having an outwardly turned flange at an end extremity thereof and a wall portion inclined inwardly toward juncture with the respective flange and effective to provide a finger grip clearance beneath the respective flange, outwardly projecting upright reinforcing rib means at each corner connection of adjacent side walls and serving to integrally connect the flanges and the inwardly inclined wall portions with the flanges in coplanar relation, each said rib means including a portion extending away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the flanges, and a closure supported on and secured to said flanges.

2. In a carton of the character described, a tubular body formed of a regular rectangular sheet of paper devoid of slits or cut outs to include four connected side walls each having an outwardly turned flange at an end extremity thereof and a wall portion inclined inwardly toward juncture with the respective flange and effective to provide a finger grip clearance beneath the respective flange, outwardly projecting upright reinforcing rib means at each corner connection of adjacent side walls and serving to integrally connect the flanges and the'inwardly inclined Wall portions with the flanges in coplanar relation, each said rib means including a portion extending away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the flanges and composed of integral portions of said two adjacent flanges folded downwardly and outwardly from said adjacent flanges and adhered together in face to face contact, and a closure supported on and secured to said flanges.

3. In a carton of the character described, a tubular body formed of a regular rectangular sheet of paper devoid of slits or cut outs to include four connected side walls each having an outwardly turned flange at an end extremity thereof and a wall portion inclined inwardly toward juncture with the respective flange and effective to provide a finger grip clearance beneath the respective flange, outwardly projecting upright reinforcing rib means at each corner connection of adjacent side walls and serving to integrally connect the flanges and the inwardly inclined wall portions with the flanges in coplanar relation, each said rib means including a portion extending away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the flanges, a second portion coplanar with one of a pair of adjacent inclined wall portions and connecting said pair of adjacent inclined wall portions, and an angularly offset portion connecting said first mentioned and second portions, and a closure supported on and secured to said flanges.

4. In a carton of the character described, a tubular body formed of a regular rectangular sheet of paper devoid of slitsor cut outs to include four connected side walls each having an outwardly turned flange at an end extremity thereof, a vertical wall portion integral with the flange and depending therefrom to provide a finger grip clearance therebeneath, and an upwardly and inwardly inclined wall portion connecting with said vertical wall portion, upright outwardly projecting rib means at each corner connection of adjacent side walls and serving to integrally connect the flanges and the inwardly inclined and vertical wall portions with the flanges in coplanar relation, each said rib means including a portion extending away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the flanges, and a closure supported on and secured to said flanges.

5. In a carton of the character described, a tubular body formed of a regular rectangular sheet of paper devoid of slits or cut outs to include four connected side walls each having an outwardly turned flange at an end extremity thereof, a vertical wall portion integral with the flange and depending therefrom to provide a finger grip clearance therebeneath, and an upwardly and inwardly inclined wall portion connecting with said vertical wall portion, upright outwardly projecting rib means at each corner connection of adjacent :side walls and serving to integrally connect the flanges and the inwardly inclined and vertical Wall portions with the flanges in coplanar relation, each said rib means including a portion extending away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the flanges and composed of integral portions of said two adjacent flanges folded downwardly and outwardly from said adjacent flanges and adhered together in face to face contact, and a closure supported on and secured to said flanges.

6. In a carton of the character described, a tubular body formed of a regular rectangular sheet of paper devoid of slits or cut outs to include four connected side walls each having an outwardly turned flange at an end extremity thereof, a vertical wall portion integral with the flange and depending therefrom to provide a finger grip clearance therebeneath, and an upwardly and inwardly inclined wall portion connecting with said vertical wall portion, upright outwardly projecting rib means at each corner connection of adjacent side walls and serving to integrally connect the flanges and the inwardly inclined and vertical wall portions with the flanges in coplanar relation, each said rib means including a portion extending away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to the plane aeaassaa ofrthe flangeszand-composed of; integral .portionsrof rsaida twoadjacent. flanges foldeddownwardly. androutwardly,

gularly offset portion connecting saidfirstamcntioned and second rib portions and including integralparts connect-- inggadjacent vertical wall portions and foldedintoanzgular. position and face to face contact, and. a:closure.- supported on and secured to' said flanges 7. Ina carton of the character described, atubular body formed of 'a regular rectangular sheet. of paper de-..

void of slits or cut outs to include'fourv connectedside: walls each having an outwardly turnedsflange;at. an. end..

extremity thereof,a*vertical..wallportion integral with the flange and depending therefrom to providaafingerr grip clearance therebeneath and an upwardly. and in wardly inclined-wall portion connecting withsaidavertie calwall portion, upright outwardly projecting ribrmeans.

at .each .corner connection of adjacent side. walls:and.

serving to integrally connect the flanges and the-inwardly inclined and vertical wall portions with the .flanges-in,

coplanar relation, each said rib means including 313201" tion extending. away from its integral juncture with two adjacent flanges in a plane perpendicular to.-therplane, oftthe flanges and composed of integral portions. of said two adjacent flanges folded downwardly and'out-wardly from said adjacent flanges and adhered together-in face to:face contact, a second portion coplanar withone of a .pair of adjacent inclined wall portions and connecting said pair of adjacent inclined wall portions, and anan gnlarly offset'portion connecting saidrfirst mentioned ,and. secondrib portions and including integralparts =COHI1$CL- ing adjacent vertical wall portions and-foldediinto an-ygular position and face to face contact andzother, parts of said pair of adjacent vertical wall portions folded into face-to face contact in the plane ofone of' said pair of adjacent vertical wall portions-and perpendiculanand inright angular relation to the other of saidpairofadjacent vertical wall portions, and a'closure supported on and secured to said flanges.

8. A carton blank for atubular carton of regular rectangular cross section having a flat flange atone endton which to receive an end closure, said blank comprising a..rectangular paper sheet devoid of slits or cut outsand, having four score lines traversingthe full width of the. blank in-parallel spaced relation and defining betweeny pairsthereof three connected wall panelsandatwol half first: score line with the;adjacent blank. edge defining a;

fiangearea at the positionof each wall-panelqandrhalf; panel, said first and second score lines defining :between them-a vertical wall portion at the position-:of'eachzwall panel and half panel, and said second and 'tl'LlId'jSCOI'B' lines defining between them-an inclined wall portion at the, position of each wall panel and:half; panel,' th erec being twoconnected triangular areasrdefined in theflange area and at the location. where:cach of the four traversing score lines traverses thesame by the respective-.traversing score line the first score linedandtwo'angled.:and:converg ing score lines traversing theflange areaxand; intersectingwhere the traversing scorepassesithrough therblankiedge, twoconnected triangular areasidefine'clin the vertical wall. portionand at thelocation where each of the four travers ingscore. lines traverses the same by the respective traversinggscore. the first score line and two angled'and convergingscore linesitraversing the ve'rtical'wall portion and connectingat one end with ,said angled. score lines and intersecting at their-other ends where the respective traversingscore line intersects the second score .line, two. pairs .of connected triangular areas formed in part in the .central one of the three connected wall panels and one. pair of connected triangular areas ineach of the halfwall panels, one triangular area of each said pair beingdefined in the area between the first and second score lines by one of. the angled and converging score linestraversing saidrarea the secondv score line and a scoreline traversing said area.perpendicularly from the point of intersection of said one angled ,scoreline with,

theifirst score line and the other triangular area of each said .pair being defined in the area between the second and thirdscore lines by the respective traversing score linethe second score lineand. a score line angularly traversing said areafrom the point of intersection. of the third score linewith the respective traversing score line toapoint along. the second score line where it joins with the line perpendicularly traversingthe area between the first and second score lines. a

9.- A flat top paper milk carton comprising a tubular body formed from a regular rectangular body blank,

said body blank being folded to provide side walls and outwardly extending flanges at endsthereof and integral throughout their full width with the side walls, said side walls being folded at theycorners to provide double. fold miter joints at the ends of the flanges to (position the flanges in a common plane and insingl e thickness throughout'the full length of each thereof, a top panel attached,

tothe-fianges, and a bottom panel secured to the other endof the body.

10. A fiat top paper milk carton comprising a tubular length of each thereof, a top panel attached to the flanges,

and-a bottom panel secured to the other end'of the body; 11. A fiat top paper'rnilk carton comprising atubular body formed from a" regular rectangular body blank,

said body blank being folded for providing sidewalls and outwardly extending flanges at ends thereof andv integral throughout their full width with the side walls,-

depending corner folds connecting the flanges and integral with the flanges throughout the full-Width thereof and providingdouble fold mitered joints therebetween, a'top panel attached to the flanges, and abottom panel secured to .the other ,end of the body.

References vCited in the file of this patent 

